Obituary of Gary Leo Morris

Gary Leo Morris, 76, of Dallas, Oregon, passed away on August 29, 2021.

Gary was born in Forest Grove to Elda “Eldie” Leo and Grace Myrtle (Stapleton) Morris on January 22, 1945. He grew up in Florence, and attended Siuslaw High School, where he played basketball and baseball, was a member of the Photography Club, was a Lettermen, and was a drummer, graduating in 1963. Shortly after graduation, Gary joined the United States Navy, specializing as an Electrician. After completion of boot camp, Gary flew in P3 Orion missions during the Vietnam War carrying equipment, transporting Agent Orange, and gathering information on the opposition. While in the Navy, Gary was stationed at and traveled to locations around the world, spending time in Florida, California, Philippines, Okinawa, and Japan (which inspired a lifelong enjoyment of traveling).

After leaving in the Navy in 1967, Gary came home to Florence, where he studied electronics, managed the local bowling center, worked at the local mill, and other jobs. In January of 1974, Gary met Connie Petty at the Florence Church of Christ when mutual friends introduced them. Shortly after they began dating, and they married on July 20, 1974.

Gary and Connie welcomed their first child, son Aaron, in February 1978, in Portland. In August 1979, they welcomed their second child, daughter Melissa, in Eugene. Gary was a very involved father, attending all events his children were involved in, often coaching their sports teams, helping with schoolwork, and raising them to be followers of God.

In the early 1980s, Gary was a Recreation Director at Oregon State University (OSU), and coached their bowling team, one year taking them to the championship in Houston, Texas. Gary was a well-known bowler who participated in leagues and tournaments, winning lots of pins and trophies.

In December of 1987, Gary started working for the Department of Defense with the US Air Force as a civilian managing the bowling center at Vandenberg Air Force Base near Lompoc, California. Due to his strong work ethic, integrity, and leadership, Gary quickly advanced to MWR Manager. This led Gary and his family, to Izmir, Turkey in November 1991, where he was the Services Manager, which included ensuring Air Force personnel and their families were safe and cared for during the first Gulf War. After 2.5 years in Turkey, Gary transferred to RAF Chicksands in England as the Services Manager. Gary again provided support to Air Force personnel and their families until the base closed in 1995, with Gary being one of the last people to leave the base. After that, Gary and his family landed in Tucson, Arizona, where he continued his work as the Services Manager at Davis-Montham Air Force Base. In the fall of 1998, Gary took the position of Chief of Services at the Portland Air National Guard base, returning Gary and Connie to their beloved state of Oregon. While at the Portland Air National Guard base, Gary continued to serve Air Force Personnel and their families by organizing family events, connecting members with resources, and ensuring support when President’s or other VIPs visited

Portland. He was also in charge of Color Guard and Mortuary Affairs, serving soldiers who passed and their family members. In 2008, Gary retired from the Department of Defense after more than 20 years of hard work and service.

Upon retiring, Gary and Connie were able to spend more time with their children and grandchildren, and family overall, and enjoyed traveling. Gary was an avid sports fan and always had a game/sport on the TV or radio. He raised his kids with a love of sports, coaching their basketball teams and helping with their baseball and softball teams. He also watched his grandkids play baseball, basketball, and participate in gymnastics, oftentimes giving them the advice to be better athletes. He was a fan of the Portland Trailblazers, Oakland Raiders, and Oregon State University, rarely missing a game of the latter.

Gary was an active member of the Church of Christ and his community. In the numerous places he lived, Gary served each local church congregation by helping with services, building, and yard maintenance, welcoming people into his home who needed assistance, helping with moves, teaching classes, driving busses, studying with people, and so much more.

Gary is greatly missed by his family and those who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Connie (Petty) Morris; his son Aaron Morris and daughter-in-law Micah Morris; his daughter Melissa (Morris) Kam and son-in-law David Kam; his 8 grandchildren, Kane Morris, Kyah Morris, Kolten Morris, Karter Morris, Connor Kam, Mason Kam, Logan Kam, and Korah Morris; his sister Sheron (Morris) Dotson and brother-in-law Clinton Dotson; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Jim and Judy Petty, Roger and Sherry Petty, and Becky and Cliff Houghton; 8 nephews and nieces and their families.

Gary requested that a funeral service not be held, and his family is honoring his request. As a Veteran, Gary receives military rights, and his immediate family will have a small service in the spring for this. The family asks those who knew Gary to please post their memories and stories to his wall for them to keep in memory of their husband and father.

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